You should aim to send Christmas cards in the first half of December so they arrive comfortably before December 25, with most etiquette and stationery guides suggesting mailing them between about December 1 and December 10.

Best overall timing

Most modern etiquette and card companies recommend a simple window:

  • Mail Christmas cards between December 1–10 so they arrive in early–mid December.
  • This avoids feeling “too early” (before Thanksgiving) and helps you beat late‑December postal delays.
  • If you want them to arrive before Christmas Day, treat roughly December 18 as the latest safe mailing date for standard mail.

If you’re ultra organized

Sending a bit earlier can work well if done thoughtfully.

  • Design and order cards in early–mid November so you’re ready to mail right after Thanksgiving.
  • Many etiquette writers say mailing during the week after Thanksgiving is ideal so people can display your card all season.
  • Just avoid sending more than about a week before Thanksgiving, which some etiquette sources consider “too early” for Christmas cards.

International and special cases

Distance and format change the best send date.

  • For international mail, send at least by mid‑November so cards clear longer shipping times and customs delays.
  • For business holiday cards, follow a similar window (Dec 1–15), leaning earlier in December because they’re often sent in bulk.
  • Digital cards can go closer to the holiday since delivery is instant, but many people still like them in early–mid December.

If you’re running late

It is still worth sending something, even if it’s after mid‑December.

  • Cards that arrive just before or even just after Christmas are still considered thoughtful and acceptable.
  • If you miss Christmas entirely, switch to New Year cards; these are polite and flexible through about January 7.
  • Some people deliberately choose New Year greetings so they can skip the Christmas rush but still stay in touch.

Simple planning timeline

Here is a straightforward planning flow you can follow.

  • Early November: Take photos and choose your design.
  • Mid–late November: Order printed cards and buy stamps before popular designs sell out.
  • Late November: Address and sign everything so you can mail right after Thanksgiving.
  • December 1–10: Pop them in the mail and enjoy knowing your cards will land right on time.